licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈli-k(ə-)rish  -k(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: the dried root of a European leguminous plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

also : an extract of this used especially in medicine, liquors, and confectionery

b

: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (such as anise)

2

: a plant yielding licorice

also : a related plant

Examples of licorice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heft in structure and elegance in the mouth; a dreamy/creamy wine as supple as a Beaujolais Cru that is easy drinking with good acidity mid palate and generous but light flavors that include maple syrup, mocha and black pepper with a brilliant red licorice finish. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

At sunset, when Muslims rush home to break the fast with the iftar meal, the business owner stands on a street corner pouring out licorice juice from a giant metal pot. —Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2025

Aromas of brownies, cedar, black licorice, tar, biltong and red cherries. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Very complex palate of toast, blueberries, black licorice, pencil led and forest floor. —Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English licorice, from Anglo-French licoris, from Late Latin liquiritia, alteration of Latin glycyrrhiza, from Greek glykyrrhiza, from glykys sweet + rhiza root — more at dulcet, root

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing licorice

• Indian licorice

Kids Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

a

: a European plant of the legume family with spikes of blue flowers

b

: the dried root of licorice

also : a preparation made from the root

2

: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)

Etymology

Middle English licorice "licorice," from early French licoris (same meaning), from Latin liquiritia (same meaning), derived from Greek glykyrrhiza, literally, "sweet root"

Medical Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice

variants or chiefly British liquorice

ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

: a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

2

a

: glycyrrhiza sense 2

b

: an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste